SPRING 2016 | SESSION 3

DevotedActs 2:37-47

ONE CONVERSATION

Parents: Read all of Acts 2 for the context of this passage. Encourage your student to also take a look at the surrounding verses and chapters, and explain to them how being aware of the context will help them have a clearer understanding of the message when reading Scripture. Share your excitement about how God added to the number of believers in verse 41. Imagine with your student what it might be like if your own church experienced this sort of revival today. Also talk about the four things mentioned that they devoted themselves to in verse 42. Discuss each of the four and how you may already be doing some of these things, but also share one of these areas that you want to improve on. How are you devoting yourself to the Lord? How are you serving in the local church? Is your attitude like that mentioned in verse 46 and 47? Are you joyful and humble, and praising God no matter your circumstances? This passage and how the Lord added to the number of those being saved is very encouraging and it should give us passion and excitement to share the good news we have with those who are seeking and in need of a Savior.

CENTRAL TRUTHLike the members of the early church, we are called to reach out with the gospel, be humbly devoted to the church, and overflow with generosity.

PERSONAL CHALLENGE ❯ Dwell: The first New Testament church in Jerusalem was the starting point for the Holy Spirit’s

world-changing ministry. These radically devoted believers gave everything they had and met together every day to hear the apostles teach, to eat together, to see miracles performed, and to help people in need. What started with Peter’s sermon became the New Testament church and that work continues in your own church and student ministry today!

❯ Memorize: Acts 2:46

❯ Pray: Express to the Father the sense of awe and thanks you have for what He did in the New Testament church and for how He continues to work today. Thank Him specifically for how He brought His will and His kingdom to earth, and invite Him to do the same in your own church. Ask for God’s forgiveness over your own shortcomings, and also forgive those in your own ministry who may have hurt you in the past. Then, pray for God to bring a wave of generosity through your church as He did throughout the churches described in the Book of Acts.